Caramel Apple Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

Soft, chewy bars with tender apples and gooey caramel for a sweet, cozy indulgence.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Apple Filling

09 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Caramel Layer

12 - 3/4 cup soft caramels, unwrapped
13 - 2 tablespoons milk

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; stir to combine.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Incorporate into wet mixture until just combined.
04 - Reserve 1/2 cup of dough. Press remaining dough evenly into prepared pan to create base.
05 - Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apple mixture evenly over cookie base.
06 - Combine caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and pourable.
07 - Drizzle melted caramel evenly over apple layer.
08 - Crumble reserved dough over caramel in small pieces.
09 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until golden and set. Allow to cool completely in pan before removing and cutting into bars.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for sharing and a hit at gatherings
02 -
  • Caramel candies may contain soy or other allergens, so check labels carefully
  • Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days
03 -
  • Try substituting pears for apples for a new flavor twist
  • Add 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer for extra crunch and texture
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